Our Team

Richard Harkrader

Richard’s primary responsibility is to ensure the overall management of Carolina Solar Energy, LLC’s business strategy, including the complete and timely execution of system design, project financing and construction.

Richard Harkrader, an architect emeritus, building contractor, solar installer and real estate developer, is the founder and partner in two other businesses: New Morning Solar Realty that built and managed 45 passive solar apartments with solar hot water and now owns and manages commercial real estate. In addition, Richard is Treasurer and Projects Manager for Sister Communities of San Ramon Nicaragua where he and his wife, Lonna, manage community development projects and an international award-winning eco-tourism business as well as raise organic, shade-grown coffee.  http://fincaesperanzaverde.org/

Mr. Harkrader advocates for renewable energy and energy efficiency serving three times as Chair of the NC Sustainable Energy Association, where he is currently on the Board. He served for 7 years as the environmental representative on the NC Legislative Study Commission on Electric Utility Deregulation and was instrumental in starting NC GreenPower where he was Vice Chair for 2 years. Mr. Harkrader lives in Durham, NC.

Gerry Dudzik

Gerry’s primary responsibility is to manage the day-to-day operations of Carolina Solar Energy LLC.  In addition, Gerry has responsibilities for new business development, , project proposal development, marketing and communications and technology vendor relations.

Prior to joining Carolina Solar Energy, Gerry was one of the founding partners of Carolina Green Energy LLC, a North Carolina utility scale wind energy developer. Gerry led the launch of the digital wireless service in the Southeast US for AT&T, serving as their Vice President of Marketing responsible for distribution channel development, pricing, market research and advertising/PR.  Before joining AT&T, Gerry held senior marketing, operations and sales management positions with GTE Wireless, Cellular One and Volvo Cars of North America.

Gerry has over 25 years of experience in new business development, strategic marketing, field operations management and new product introductions.  Mr. Dudzik lives in Durham, NC.

Jordan Nance

Jordan joined the Carolina Solar Energy team in 2009, after graduating from the Appalachian State University’s School of Appropriate Technologies Master’s program.

Jordan’s primary responsibilities include initial site layout, technology selection and system design.  In addition, Jordan is responsible for day-to-day project construction supervision.

Jordan is a nationally certified (NABCEP) solar energy installer and holds OHSA certification in Construction Safety and Health.  Mr. Nance lives in Durham, NC.